Christian and I spent a week in Portugal. We were based in Lisbon and took a day trip to Sintra and a spent a weekend in Sesimbra.
Lisbon (Monday, 17 April 2006)
We are back in Lisbon, after spending the weekend in the little sea-side town called Sesimbra. What can I say - it was lovely and very relaxed. The fellow at the Sesimbra tourism office said the weather was not very good when it could be almost 40 degrees in the summer. He had such a deep tan already at this time of year as he was telling us this; I am thinking it must be really rough living here! Christian and I were very happy that it was in the twenties.
We left London last Wednesday; London was especially miserable on the Tuesday that week; I recall how on that day, I went to a local pub for lunch; I remarked to the lady publican that this is supposed to be spring but it was so cold and rainy outside; she agreed with me and when I told her I was off on holiday the next day, she remarked how jealous she was but she still smiled when she said it. We arrived in the morning in Lisbon after having very little sleep; the flight was at 6 in the morning which meant; I got a 3 hour nap before taking a taxi to the train station to then catch a train to the airport; Christian was up all night mixing his latest album; the project is called UK States.
Portugal - part 2
Here, I am trying to remember what happened 2 months ago; well, getting things in the right order is the hard part. It is now June as I type this.
Looking back, Portugal was very chilled out and a it was good pace that we kept. I would definitely go back for another visit.
It is quite funny how things don't always work out when on holiday; a few times, we went to check out restaurants mentioned in the guide book to only find they were no longer open for business. That is why phoning ahead can be a good move.
Fado
Fado could be described as Portuguese blues. It's origin are unclear from what I have read. Fado Link
We did go to a fado restaurant called "Sinhor Vinho". This was a very traditional style restaurant. Christian had to point out to me that the guy with the wine list was a sommelier. I don't go to restaurants that have such a person. There was about five different singers in the evening singing Fado. I really like the singing one man who also played something like a ukulele. I ordered the bacalhau for a main course; this dish is made from dried salted codfish. I did not like it very much; I think it is an acquired taste. I know what it tastes like and I don't think I need to try it again. Wikipedia Link. I would definitely like to hear Fado again however.